Benfica talking with Eriksson about return

LISBON, Portugal -- Benfica is talking with Sven-Goran Eriksson about returning for a third round as manager of the Portuguese club.

Benfica said in a statement Thursday it has opened "preliminary talks" with Eriksson about the coaching job.

The former England coach is widely expected to be fired as Manchester City manager at the end of the Premier League season. British and Portuguese newspapers reported Thursday that Benfica offered Eriksson a three-year contract.

Eriksson had two successful tenures at Benfica, in 1982-84 and 1989-92. He led the Eagles to three domestic titles and a Portuguese Cup title. He also took the club to the UEFA Cup final in 1983.